Festival FAQs
Where is parking located for the festival?
There is limited FREE parking lots throughout Downtown Manteo. Park & Ride is available for $5.00 for an all-day shuttle pass from the Manteo Baptist Church parking lot located at 406 US Hwy 64, Manteo. The shuttle runs from 11:30AM until the last person leaves the festival. The Shuttle will drop you off at the festival gate. If you have a VIP pass you will be given access to park on Bluegrass Island at the venue.
What time do the gates open?
The festival gates open at 11:00 AM each day of the festival.
When and where do we pick up our festival passes?
You can pick up your festival passes and merch beginning Wednesday, October 16th at the kick-off event at Creef Park starting at noon. After Wednesday you can pick them up at the festival entrance at Roanoke Island Festival Park any day of the festival.
What do I need to get into the festival?
You will need to provide your Simpletix email with barcode OR your Bluegrass Island receipt with confirmation number.
If you cannot locate your tickets you will need to bring a photo ID and the credit card used to purchase the tickets.
What is the earliest I can set up my chairs at the festival?
If you have a 3-Day festival pass you are granted early entry on Wednesday as soon as 2PM. All others may enter when gates open each day. Chairs may be left over night during the 3 days.
Can we leave and return?
Yes, you can come and go throughout the day once you have your festival wristband on.
Can I bring ‘outside food and drinks’ inside the festival?
No, you may not. However, we have plenty of food vendors located within festival park (and local restaurants within walking distance) A variety of Beer & Wine is sold on site.
If we just can't make it this year, can we get a refund on our tickets?
No, we do not give refunds for any reason. However, our ticket policy says "If you cannot attend for any reason you will receive credit towards the following year's festival". If the credit is not used the following year from which it was purchased it then becomes void.
Can I bring my pets inside for the festival?
No outside animals are allowed UNLESS it is a service animal with proper documentation.
Are there bathrooms located on-site?
There are indoor bathrooms located at the back of Roanoke Island Festival Park, in the museum building and there are portable toilets within the festival area.
Can I bring an umbrella/ pop-up tent/ canopy chair?
Umbrellas, pop up tents, and canopy chairs are not allowed inside the festival. If you do have a canopy chair (one with an attached, overhanging sun shade above your head) you must sit in the back – be mindful of the people behind you. There are shade-providing trees on the back of the lawn.
Where is the FREE Wednesay event located?
The festival kick-off event will take place at Creef Park located at 104 Fernando Street in Downtown Manteo. FREE parking will be at Roanoke Island Festival Park on this day only for all attendees. You are welcome to bring chairs and blankets for seating. This FREE day of the event always draws a crowd so we recommend you arrive early to put your chairs out.
Where is the VIP BBQ and what time is it served?
The VIP BBQ Dinner is served during the kick-off event on Wednesday, October 16th at George Washington Creef Park at 5:30 P.M. Food will be served starting at 5:30 P.M. and end at 6:30 P.M.